Joseph “Shwy” Szwejkowski, age 76, died on May 25, 2026 after battling cancer with unwavering courage. He was surrounded by his cherished family and made a peaceful transition to our Lord.

He was born on July 2, 1949 to the late Mark and Mildred Szwejkowski in Olyphant, Pennsylvania and moved to Cleveland as a young child, growing up in Tremont. He is survived by his wife, Julie; children, Jennifer Rash, Lynn Skeen, Danielle (Greg) Seighman, and Mark and Matthew Szwejkowski. He is also survived by his siblings, Mark (Harriet) Szwejkowski and Susan Carney.

Shwy started his working career as a high school biology teacher at Holy Name High School, and later was employed by the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. for over 30 years. There he held various positions in the nuclear, environmental, and safety fields. After an early retirement, he was employed for 15 years as a school bus driver for Orange City Schools - a job he absolutely loved.

Shwy had many interests but the most notable was his love of music and singing. As a young boy he played the accordion in the Cleveland Concert Accordion Band and later in life, became a part time DJ under the title “Shwy’s Tunes to Go” playing his impressive CD collection at numerous weddings, parties, and company events. Ever an athlete, Shwy spent a life enjoying softball, basketball, and racquetball. However, no activity captured him quite like his love of cycling. In his retirement years, he was a fixture riding on the towpath of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In addition, Shwy was a talented handyman. So many family members and friends benefited from his skills at assembling and fixing things. He especially felt a unique enjoyment salvaging broken vacuum cleaners. It wasn’t just his know-how that touched the lives of those he was close to, but his willingness to show up and be there for them, always with his signature sense of humor.

Family and friends are invited to meet for Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Monday at Saint John Cantius Church, 906 College Avenue, Cleveland 44113. Friends may call at THE FIORITTO FUNERAL HOME, 5236 MAYFIELD ROAD, LYNDHURST (EAST OF RICHMOND ROAD) 3-7 PM SUNDAY.

The family is asking for any memorial contributions to be made to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Western Reserve Hospice, or St. John Cantius Church.